pashmina care, cleaning storage
Pashmina is an exquisitely beautiful and costly material that is soft, light weight and has a longer lifetime. Their life can be increased if the pashmina care, cleaning and storage are given due importance continuously throughout their life time. Pashmina being a natural fiber made of the undercoat fine hairs of the himalayan goat pashmina care must be taken care of so as to preserve its special characteristics for years. Like any other clothing item, pashmina is also exposed to natural elements, dirt, crease, friction and insects and pest attack during their life time.
Pashminas do get stained and take markings from various materials if they are not used with care. So pashmina care must be undertaken in a periodical manner in respect of its cleaning, storage and proper maintenance. Pashmina care requires that special attention is paid while washing the pashmina products. Different methods of washing, cleaning and storage has to be adopted for pashmina throws, blankets and shawls than those that are used for washing pashmina scarves, sweaters, socks etc.
As a general rule of pashmina care, cleaning and storage it is always better to go for dry washing of all pashmina materials. But even then care must be taken while using some chemicals which may become harsh on the delicate fibers of your costly pashmina. Next to dry washing the next best alternative will be to hand wash your pashmina.
Follow these tips for the best pashmina care while cleaning and storage of your pashmina
- wash your pashmina before the first use with cold water to retain the correct level of moisture to retain its insulation capacity
- first soak your pashmina in cold water for about 10 to 20 minutes and avoid leaving it in water for longer periods as it may affect and alter the basic structure of the fabric
- never use strong detergents on your pashmina and always wash it with mild detergents or baby shampoo
- make sure that the detergent or the shampoo gets dissolved completely in water before the pashmina is soaked
- gently scrub the dirt from the blanket and remove the dirt. avoid using strong brushes and heavy scrubbers while washing
- rinse the pashmina with cold water gently, give a slight squeeze and the spread them flat and dry.
- never hard squeeze your pashmina especially the items like pashmina sweaters as it will completely change their shape
- avoid drying it in direct sunlight.
- remove excess water by pressing it with cold iron box.
- stains if any must be removed at once as it is hard to remove stain from such natural soft luxury fiber if it is not removed then and there.
- never use a washing machine to wash your pashmina throws, it will surely spoil all the beauty and elegance of the pashmina sweater or blankets
Proper storage is also necessary for your pashmina to retain their shape, texture and softness. While storing fold it in a tissue paper or plastic cover to protect from moisture and avoid storing it attics or open shelves. It is better to store it in a place where there is no dampness and direct sunlight. Proper care must also be taken to protect your pashmina from moths and pills. You can spray perfumes to get rid of the bad smell due to long time storage.
Your pashmina is your valued possession that can give you years of wonderful service only if they are maintained and stored in a proper way.
